Cllr Jeevitha Sampangi – Community Statement
I am Cllr Jeevitha Sampangi, a proud mother of two and wife to Balaji Ravinath, whose unwavering support has been the pillar behind every step of my journey.
I have lived in Maidstone for the past five years and have spent 14 years in the United Kingdom. I hold a Master’s degree in Human Resources and bring over 24 years of professional experience across multiple industries.
I currently serve as a Parish Councillor for Boxley, Maidstone, Kent. I am also a Group Secretary and Diversity Champion Officer, a Trustee for Maidstone Relief in Need Charities and the Howard de Walden Centre, and the Joint Chair and Founder of the Maidstone Indian Association a community organisation dedicated to bringing people together.
Alongside my community service, I work as an Admin Officer with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.
Community Leadership and Cultural Contribution
Over the past five years, I have actively organised and led many community events including Diwali, Indian New Year celebrations, International Women’s Day, Holi — the Festival of Colours, and initiatives supporting women to grow their home-based businesses.
My focus has always been to keep the community active, promote unity in diversity, and encourage participation within the framework of UK law and values.
I am also the Founder of Gurukul Arts and Dance Academy, created to nurture cultural learning and build confidence in children through performance. Our children have proudly represented our community at events such as Maidstone Mela, Medway Motion U-Dance, and the Rochester Sweeps Festival for the past three years.
I strongly believe in preserving our culture and traditions wherever we live, while showing deep respect for all communities in this country, beyond language or cultural barriers.
My Political Journey
I am a member of the Liberal Democrats. In 2023, I contested the Maidstone Borough Council elections for the first time, securing 661 votes and narrowly missing victory by just 150 votes. Despite the close result, my team recognised my commitment and appointed me as Group Secretary and Diversity Champion Officer, acknowledging my role as a community leader.
In March 2025, I stood again for Parish Councillor and was successfully elected.
I continue to organise and attend many local community events, often as a special guest, always representing inclusion and service.
My Belief in Leadership
Today, I stand before you not for personal recognition, but to serve with integrity, passion, and credibility.
I am a spirited fighter because:
I do not turn away from challenges
I move forward with patience
I listen when voices are ignored
I act when action is difficult
I remain steady when others step back
I believe leadership is not about position — it is about courage, accountability, and standing firm for justice, fairness, and progress.
I stand for opportunity where there is inequality, transparency where there is silence, and hope where there is uncertainty.
My strength comes from the people I represent — their struggles, their resilience, and their belief that change is possible.
Choosing me means choosing determination over delay.
My Vision for Diversity in Schools
My long-term aim is to see Diversity Education introduced in Primary Schools.
I would like to encourage parents from different backgrounds to come forward and give short weekly presentations about their country, state, or culture. This can be done in both practical and theoretical ways, helping children learn about cultures from all corners of the world.
This early exposure will help children grow with understanding, respect, and acceptance — treating other cultures with the same warmth as their own.
I am ready to serve the community.
I am ready to fight respectfully, fearlessly, and for the greater good.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Vanakkam - Namaste.
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